How much does an electrician cost? Prices 2026
Average electrician prices in Ireland for 2026: sockets, consumer units, and rewires.
How much does an electrician charge per hour?
Electrician hourly rates in Ireland vary by location and experience:
Dublin and Greater Dublin: €60 to €80/hour Other counties: €45 to €65/hour Callout fee (no work done): €45 to €90 fixed
In practice, most electricians quote per job rather than per hour. Before accepting a quote, confirm exactly what is included: does the price cover labour only, or does it include materials too?
A quote that lumps labour and materials together without a breakdown is a warning sign. Always ask for the split in writing, and check whether the quote includes VAT.
Electrician price list by job type
Typical ranges across Ireland for 2026. Your county and the specific electrician will affect the final cost:
Socket or switch installation: €80 to €200 per point Light fitting installation: €70 to €180 Fuse/circuit breaker replacement: €70 to €180 Consumer unit upgrade (8 to 12-way): €450 to €900 Full consumer unit replacement: €500 to €1,200 Electric shower installation: €180 to €450 New cable run (per metre): €12 to €35 Air conditioning circuit installation: €180 to €450 Electrical inspection and completion certificate: €120 to €250 Rewire (3-bed house): €2,800 to €4,800
These are typical ranges only. Materials are usually charged separately from labour.
What affects electrician pricing?
Location: Dublin electricians tend to charge more than those outside the capital. Rural areas may have limited availability that also pushes prices up.
Job complexity: surface-mounted cable runs cost less than chasing into masonry walls. High-ceiling or outdoor work carries additional risk and time.
Materials: branded components cost more than unbranded alternatives. Be wary of very low quotes that may reflect cheap materials that fail earlier.
Emergency callouts: out-of-hours work typically adds €50 to €120 on top of standard rates.
Certification: Safe Electric registered electricians charge in line with the market but are the only professionals legally permitted to self-certify domestic electrical work in Ireland, which matters when you come to sell the property.
How to hire an electrician safely
Before booking any electrical work:
1. Check Safe Electric registration: domestic electrical work in Ireland should be carried out by a Safe Electric registered electrician, the statutory register for the trade. You can search the register online by name or county.
2. Request a written quote: a proper quote should include the electrician's name and address, a full description of the work, materials with specifications and prices, start date and estimated duration, whether VAT is included, and payment terms.
3. Get at least 3 quotes: the cheapest quote rarely represents the best value. Compare the full scope of what each electrician includes.
4. Check reviews: Google reviews and word of mouth are the most reliable indicators in Ireland. Look for consistent ratings over time, not just recent reviews.
5. Know your guarantee: reputable electricians offer a minimum 12-month workmanship guarantee. Get this confirmed in writing before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of an electrician per hour in the UK in 2026?
Electrician hourly rates in Ireland typically range from €45 to €80 per hour depending on location. Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area sit at the top of that range. Most electricians quote by job rather than by hour.
How much does a consumer unit replacement cost?
A consumer unit (fuse board) replacement in Ireland typically costs between €500 and €1,200 depending on the size of the board, the brand of components, and the amount of circuit work required. Most standard 3-bed houses fall in the €600 to €900 range.
Does an electrician need to be Safe Electric registered?
Domestic electrical work in Ireland should be carried out by a Safe Electric registered electrician, the statutory register that allows a professional to self-certify their own work as compliant with the wiring rules. Always check the register before hiring.
How do I compare electrician quotes fairly?
Always request quotes with labour and materials broken out separately, and confirm whether VAT is included. Compare the full scope of what each electrician includes, not just the bottom line. A quote significantly below the others usually means something is excluded or materials are being downgraded.
What's the difference between a quote and an electrical diagnostic?
A diagnostic is a technical assessment of the problem (it may include circuit testing and a safety check). A quote is the price proposal for fixing it. Many clients mix the two up. Some electricians charge a diagnostic fee, which can often be deducted from the job cost if the client goes ahead.
How can I put together more competitive quotes with Prummo?
Prummo lets you save quote templates for common jobs (simple repairs, standard installations). This saves time and keeps your pricing consistent. You can compare your prices against the market average using Prummo's Pricing Guides, and adjust your pricing strategy accordingly.